My thanks to everyone who reviewed or just stopped by to check out the story. To all the lurkers out there, I promise I won't bite your head off if you decide to review. It does a writer good to get feedback of any kind. Good or bad, I am always all ears.
Emerald Green Queen: Thanks for your kind review. I plan to take this story until Anakin is about 14-15 years old (approximately 5-6 yrs prior to AotC). As far as A &P romance or his adoption, keep reading to find out :). As far as Shmi, I think we'll be seeing her in the not too distant future. Brevity definetly is not my strong suit. (Just ask my beta :) ).
The End: I'm hurrying :). Curious to see if your guess is right ;).
Natalie-Corr: I'm still speechless from your very generous review. I will definitely try not to let the flattery go to my head ;). Seriously though, I'm glad you are enjoying this and my other story. Keep an eye out for the other one in the not too distant future. Hope you like this update :).
Pokey1984: Well it pleases me to no end to know that I can keep you in suspense, since you know what some of the goodies are that will be coming soon. I'm glad to know that you are enjoying it and enjoy the chapter:)
Nothingfeelsgood: Thanks for your kind words. At this point, I think I would be held hostage by my beta along with a few others if I decided not to do the sequel so I would say, baring a catastrophe that it is already in the works :).
Humg321: I think starting from this chapter onward, you'll see secondary storylines develop, as well as the involvement of other characters. I wanted to focus on these first few chapters the foundation of Anakin's and Padme's friendship, as this will be critical for later. Thanks for your review and I appreciate your insightful comments. :).
Padawan Sydney Bristow: Happy to read that you are enjoying. Your wish is my command :).
Agentj0: I'm glad to hear that you think that I am doing the characters justice. And who is the woman, indeed? All I can say for now is that we will be seeing her again before the end of this story. Pleased that you've liked and hope you enjoy this update!
A/N: My sincerest thanks go out again to my wonderful beta reader Pokey1984, who not only cleaned up my grammar, but also helped me in so many ways to get this chapter out. This was a difficult one, but I hope I did it justice. Enjoy!
The blond haired boy was still awestruck at what he experienced only minutes ago. Upon reaching his quarters he unceremoniously kicked off his shoes and jumped into the large, comfortable bed. As he stared up at the ceiling reflecting, he thought about how the petite angel Queen stood toe to toe with the Jedi and all for him. Nobody had ever stood up for him before. Not Watto, Kitster or even his own mother. With exhaustion taking a hold, Anakin fell into a deep sleep as the Force whispered into his ear.
Feeling the heat of the sun, Anakin opened his eyes to find himself in the middle of a desert. Uncertain where he was, the boy walked for hours. When the desert finally ended, he entered a beautiful meadow, which stretched beyond his sight. A sudden sense of apprehension filled him when his eyes focused upon a body lying in the midst of a blooming field. He cautiously approached when he saw that it was the body of a once beautiful young girl. She lay motionless with her eyes fixed blankly towards the sky.
The world mourned her death for not a sound could be heard. Even the brilliant wildflowers withered because of her loss. To his horror, Anakin realized the dead form was Padmé. The light that normally resided in her eyes was gone. Her soft features were ashen with the hand of death. A frigid chill ensnared his soul and terror descended upon him in the form of a grinning hooded figure. With his heart splitting in two, Anakin screamed out in bitter horror…
As the young Queen was reviewing the day's events, something compelled her to check on Anakin. Suddenly, an ominous feeling overwhelmed her. Now breaking into a brisk walk, she rushed towards Anakin's room; both Sabé and Eirtaé saw her urgency and followed quickly behind her.
"Ani, Ani, what's wrong?" Padmé questioned, rushing to his side.
Trembling, Anakin buried himself against her chest. As he pulled her closer to convince himself that she was real, he sobbed, "I wasn't strong enough to save you."
Deeply concerned, Padmé held him snugly until he calmed down. After a few moments of gentle rocking, Anakin finally relaxed.
"I cannot ever lose you," he said as he angrily wiped at his falling tears. "You are my everything."
Never seeing him so distraught, but also sensing a passion in his voice not associated with a ten year old boy, Padmé felt herself shake. Upon finding her voice she queried, "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I dreamt that somebody hurt you and I wasn't in time…." Anakin recalled, trying to control his breathing.
The young Queen looked up at Sabé and the others as they shared in a moment of silent concern.
With all that happened with the occupation, plus Anakin's unusual affinity with the Force, they were understandably edgy. Trying to ease Anakin's fears, Padmé smiled as she squeezed both of his shoulders affectionately.
"The Trade Federation is gone, Ani. You helped make Naboo free again."
He smiled bravely, but the image of her lifeless body was burned into his memory. Although he desperately wanted to pass it off as just a bad dream, Anakin knew that it was much more than that. He had nightmares like this before and they always had an ominous way of coming true.
After taking a few more moments to calm down, the young boy suddenly realized that the Queen of Naboo was kneeling on the floor consoling him, surrounded now by Sabé, Eirtaé, Yané, Saché and Rabé; a wave of embarrassment flushed through him as his face blazed beet red. Sensing his discomfort, Amidala dismissed the handmaidens, leaving the two alone.
"Are you sure you are alright?"
The blue eyed boy swallowed hard while nodding in affirmation. "I'll be alright as long as you promise me that you'll be careful."
Sensing his earnestness, Padmé gave him a smile. "I promise," she said as she thought that he was probably overreacting. If she survived storming her own palace, surely there was no further danger. Finding these thoughts uncomfortable, she abruptly changed topics.
"Are you getting hungry, Ani?"
Being a typical boy that never passed on food, Anakin eagerly nodded.
Padmé smirked. "Meet me in my private dinning room in thirty minutes."
The boy bowed his head respectfully as Amidala left his room so he could prepare for last meal.
The west area of Theed Palace contained the Queen's residence. This wing was separated by two giant mahogany doors, beyond which was a small foyer manned by a handmaiden to receive guests. The room itself was decorated with intricate patterns of red and gold; meanwhile, several chairs were placed near the entrance for those waiting to gain entrance into the residence proper.
A wide hallway followed the foyer, which was lined with several doors leading into guest rooms. It stretched into a circular room with a large winding staircase, which led to the Queen's sitting room, private office and her bedchambers. To the left of the staircase, two elaborately patterned doors opened into the Queen's private dinning area. Behind the staircase was another set of doors that led into a crescent shaped communal sitting room where the handmaidens would spend their off duty hours relaxing or could entertain visitors.
Young Anakin had been amazed at the grandness of the palace and with each turn of the corridor there was always a new discovery. Since he no longer feared being taken away by the Jedi, perhaps soon he could do some exploring. But for now, he had a dinner date with his angel, the Queen.
Since nobody came to escort him, Anakin wondered about until finally finding the correct wing. As he entered the ornately decorated room, Padmé was already sitting down at the head of the table. No longer burdened with her heavy robes, the young monarch wore a simple synthsilk purple dress that stretched down to her feat. Her curly hair was draped over both of her shoulders, as well as stretching down her back.
Anakin paused briefly as he caught sight of her. She was no longer Amidala, but Padmé, the beautiful peasant girl that entered Watto's shop. He thought she was even more alluring this way than in her regalia.
"Is something the matter, Ani?" Padmé asked, noticing his vacant look.
"Uh, no Padmé." He retorted as he shot his gaze away from her. "I was just um, admiring the room."
She chuckle softly, standing up to offer him a seat at the end of the table. "Sit down and I'll inform the staff that we are ready for dinner."
Anakin politely nodded as he promptly took his seat. The table itself was not too large; it could seat about ten people comfortably. As the Queen's servants entered to light the candles on the table, as well as set the dishware, Anakin was mesmerized by the activity. Never before had he seen plates made of china, and silver utensils. He and his mother could have eaten for over a month with the food that had been prepared for just the two of them.
"Are Sabé and the other handmaidens joining us?" Anakin asked, while eyeballing the odd eating utensils.
The Queen gave him a slight smile. "No, I thought tonight we'd dine alone so we could talk."
Anakin was so thrilled to have Padmé's undivided attention, he didn't care that all of the dishes were completely unfamiliar. They could have served him a roasted Dug for all he knew, but that wouldn't matter because the company he was sharing was that distracting.
Once they finished their multi-course supper, the Queen led her young friend upstairs into her private sitting room. To Anakin, this area seemed to be the most reflective of Padmé's tastes. Instead of the provocative reds and golds that stood out in other formal areas, this room was colored with more serene shades of blue and green. The room was oval shaped with bluish-green curtains hanging over the windows.
There were three couches that were arranged in a U-shape in order for a quiet, intimate conversation. The paintings on the walls, while still beautiful, were not as grandiose as others in the palace. Fresh flowers were placed throughout the room, releasing a sweet fragrance that Anakin had associated with Padmé. The boy could sense that she spent much of her free time here as it had a very placid feeling surrounding it.
As they entered the room, Anakin was immediately taken by one of the paintings on the wall. It was a picture of a young woman who looked remarkably like Padmé. The Queen smiled as she saw the awestruck boy staring at the portrait.
"That's a painting I did of my sister before I became a level three apprentice."
"You painted that?" Anakin remarked, completely amazed at both the beauty of the woman and the talent of his friend.
Padmé nodded silently as she walked over to stand beside him. "It was one of the first I did with oil. Definitely not my best work, but it holds a lot of meaning for us."
Anakin look up at her, noticing a strange grin on her face. "What do you mean?"
"When I did this, I told Sola that I would save it for her first born child when he or she was old enough." Padmé smiled inwardly as she thought in only a few years she would actually have to make good on her promise since Sola was expecting.
The blonde haired boy frowned as he wished he had something of himself to give to his mother. She had only two holos of him, both extras from Watto's files. "Do you still paint, Padmé?"
"Whenever I have time," she said as she reflected how rare that was even prior to the occupation. "Now, I don't know when I will get to do another."
Anakin shuffled his feet as he removed his gaze from the portrait. "Maybe when you aren't too busy, you could do one of me? I think it would be totally wizard to give one to mom whenever I see her again."
"It takes me quite a long time to do one," she said, while still beaming at the fact that he actually wanted her to paint him. "But I would be honored to make a portrait to give to your mother."
After the two smiled at each other silently for a moment, Padmé motioned for Anakin to join her on one of the comfortable couches.
"How are you feeling now, Ani?" asked Padmé
The boy smirked as he rubbed his stomach. "Better now that I ate."
"Good. Now that you are relaxed, there's something I want to ask you."
The boy gazed at her anxiously, sensing that something was weighing on her mind. "What if I told you that if you wish, you could stay on Naboo permanently? What would you say?"
Before the young Queen could finish her statement, the blond haired boy rushed into her arms as they shared a hug. Chuckling softly, Amidala muttered, "I take it that you find this acceptable?"
"This is like a dream come true, Padmé."
After they pulled away, a smile grew across the young woman's face. "There is even more I have to tell you."
Anakin returned to his seat where he first learned about the honor that he was going to receive. For the next hour, Padmé told him of what she knew of the High Protectors, what they have meant to the Naboo and the opportunities that the knighthood would mean for the former slave.
"I'll be able to go to school?" asked Anakin incredulously.
"Of course, Ani. I've already spoken to all my handmaidens and they've agreed to act as your tutors until you can enroll in the Theed Academy next term."
"What will I learn?" the boy anxiously asked.
"Everything from politics and languages to Court life. Each is gifted in different areas and you have a tremendous opportunity not only to catch up with your peers, but to eventually surpass them." Padmé said while smiling at the wonder in Anakin's eyes. "I have even asked Captain Panaka to allow you to participate in our combat exercises when you are not training with Master Obi-Wan."
As the former slave sat completely bewildered by his new life, the young monarch leaned closer to him and gave him a smile. "Ani, you can do or be anything you want and when you are ready, you will be asked to serve on Naboo's Royal Court as an advisor to the monarch."
Anakin was ecstatic about the endless possibilities that awaited him. Throughout his short years on Tatooine, while he imagined traveling to the stars, never did he dream that he would have the opportunity to make his dreams a reality.
Padmé smiled brightly as she saw the jubilation spilling forth from her little friend.. "Just as soon as we get our government and economy running again, I will contact Master Kenobi and the three of us will free your mother."
"The three of us?"
"Unless you don't want me to go," the Queen said, slightly hurt.
Anakin flashed his lopsided grin as he looked at her sincerely. "I didn't mean it that way, Padmé. I just thought you would have more important things to be doing."
The youthful monarch leaned over to place her hand on top of her friend's. "While duty will always be important, friendship means even more and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for a friend, Ani."
"There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you, Padmé." The boy responded with intensity that was atypical from someone so young. Then again, did Anakin really ever have an opportunity to be a child? She doubted it when she saw a certain wisdom lurking from behind his blue eyes.
A brief silence filled the room as the two considered all that was said. Finally, Anakin asked, "So where will I live?"
"I've been giving that a great deal of thought and even after we free your Mother, I would very much like for you both to stay in the palace. There is a separate residence in this wing that would be perfect for you both."
"I'll be able to see you all the time then?" Anakin asked in great anticipation.
Padmé's face noticeably fell as her eyes dropped towards the floor. "As often as possible," she said, her voice barely audible. "With all that has happened, I'll be exceptionally busy for a long time. I will need to travel throughout Naboo to inspect the damage, as well as to oversee the reconstruction."
As Anakin frowned, the Queen offered him a smile. "However, until you are enrolled, you will be able to travel with us so we will see each other. But I have to warn you that I won't always be able to be myself. The Queen has her work cut out for her and I'm afraid you will be with her more than me."
"Whether you are acting as Queen or a handmaiden, you will always be an angel," Anakin said with a gleam in his eyes.
Needing a change of scenery, Padmé quickly stood up and offered him her hand. "Come with me; I want to show you something. Happily, the boy took her hand in his and followed her out of the room.
Padme led Anakin up to a flattened portion of the roof located above her bedchambers. The night was especially clear so they could see stars far into the distance.
The young Queen guided her little friend to a pair of lounge chairs that she had brought up when she first discovered this place. In her first few months as monarch, she had come here often to escape the stresses that only she possessed. Occasionally, one of the handmaidens would join her to talk unofficially, but usually Padmé retreated to this place when she needed her solace.
As they reclined next to each other, Padmé pointed out all the stars, nebulae and galaxies that she remembered learning about when she took astronomy. Anakin was completely entranced by her vivid descriptions. After she went through all she remembered, they laid there in comfortable silence.
Anakin randomly asked, "So what was your best day?"
Padmé contemplated his question thoroughly. "I've had many great days; it's hard to pick just one."
"Alright, then pick your top three."
Padmé smiled as she answered. "That's easier. The first would be when I learned I was elected Queen. I was so excited and my parents were so proud; I had never seen them happier."
Anakin smiled. "Your second best?"
"When Sola told me that I was going to be an aunt. I was so happy for her and my brother-in-law, Darred," she said as she stared out into the distance.
"Do you ever want to have children?" Anakin asked with a strange tone in his voice.
Surprised, but not offended by his bluntness, she smirked. "Perhaps one day, when I am no longer needed by my people, then maybe I will settle down."
Anakin proudly declared, "I want to have lots. At least four, maybe more."
Chuckling, Padmé pat him on his head. "Then you'd better find a wife who would love lots of children."
Anakin grinned inwardly thinking to ask if she wouldn't mind having lots of children, but thought the better of it. Instead he queried, "And your third best day?"
She smiled as she turned to face him. Padmé hummed briefly before she answered, "I think I will keep the third one a secret, for now."
The boy cocked his head to one side as he glanced at her curiously. He sensed both playfulness and a feeling that it had something to do with him. He flashed a toothy grin as he mused it might very well be worth the wait.
"Now it's your turn," Padmé said with a hint of mischief in her voice. "You tell me your three best."
Anakin thought for a second. "First would be the last life day I celebrated with my mother. My second would be when Master Qui-Gon got me off of Tatooine." He sighed sadly at the still painful loss of the departed Jedi. Padmé slightly frowned while watching his shoulders shrug. "And third would be when I first saw you in Watto's shop. I really do think you are an angel."
The young Queen slightly blushed as she playfully slapped his shoulder. More determined, Anakin asserted, "Maybe you are one, but don't know because nobody here has ever seen one before?"
Amused at his boyish perspective, Padmé giggled. "You are such a funny boy who I think needs to be tickled."
Anakin cackled in response while he gleefully returned her tickling. Once they finished playing, they remained lying on the roof, dreaming and imagining what tomorrow would bring.
TBC
